Everyone gawked at him in absolute silence, which really served as a contrast to the noise all around them.
Duke Leander's emotional expression instantly shattered.
He was just about to shout a very firm no to that madness when Luca turned toward his husband instead.
"Will you be okay coming with me?"
"!!!"
The already fracturing Duke froze, utterly aghast that his precious son had just casually invited his husband to accompany him straight into the jaws of death!
But just as Leander was about to demand an explanation and brace himself for yet another wave of despair, Luca looked right past him toward two more people.
Not his wife, Lia.
Not Minister Kordell.
And not even Marshal Julian.
Instead, he seemed particularly keen as he tilted his head and politely asked,
"Head Maid Gloria, Butler Gary, can you two help us out too?"
"?!!!"
GASP!
Duke Leander, the proud patriarch of one of the Four Great Dukedoms, visibly wilted.
